The show promises an extravaganza that will appeal to both devotees of chanson and anyone wishing to be entertained. As well as works by Jacques Brel, Charles Aznavour, Scott Walker, The Singing Nun and other chansonniers, Gallic and English. There will be ventures into curious but connected realms by the two principals and a multi-talented array of choral and instrumental accompanists.
Long before her impact on a wider world, Gail Hendricks was a television and radio star in Wales. Her breadth of vocal expression equals that of Maddy Prior, Mari Wilson, Ute Lemper and diverse other vocalists who, for all the unavoidable influences, are likewise unclassifiable. While equally at ease singing to her guitar in the intimacy of a folk club, Gail has undertaken numerous tours, fronting The Prague Jazz Collective – with whom she delivered a memorable sell-out concert at Newbury’s Corn Exchange in 2007.
Alan Clayson has been presenting chanson since 2011, initially to tie-in with La Vie Bohème, his acclaimed biography of Jacques Brel. Prior to his renown as a music historian, Clayson was leader of Clayson and the Argonauts.
The Independent said: “One of the more extraordinary figures to emerge from rock ’n’ roll.”
Tickets are available for £14 online at www.arlingtonarts.co.uk, or by calling the Box Office at 01635 244246.
All profits from Arlington Arts Centre go directly to Mary Hare, a school and national charity supporting deaf children